In order to address “a spectrum of security issues,” the Japanese government has approved a $320 billion defense construction plan, the largest since World War II.
Japan has pledged to increase its security spending to 2% of GDP by 2027, reorganize its military command, and acquire new offensive weapons as part of its most extensive defence reform plan in decades.
Announcing his plans at a news conference, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said, “I am resolved to carry out the job of defending the country and its people before the current historic turning point.”
According to him, Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine has made clearer the “strengthening of nuclear missile capabilities, rapid military buildup, and unilateral initiatives to change the status quo by force” in surrounding countries and areas.
For the next five years, Japan plans to buy the following for its armed forces.
- Anti-ballistic missile interceptors.
- Attack and reconnaissance drones.
- Satellite communications equipment.
- Fighter jets.
The stealthy Lockheed Martin F-35, as well as helicopters, subs, ships, and cargo planes.
Japan will also increase its transportation capacity and develop cyber warfare capabilities, in addition to stockpiling spare parts and some types of weaponry.
Polls have shown that most Japanese people agree with the changes. But they can still be controversial because Japan’s post-war constitution does not officially recognize the military and limits what it can do. In theory, it was for self-defense.
The plan to change things is laid out in three defence documents, and the Japanese cabinet approved it today. The documents also say that China is “the biggest strategic threat to peace and stability that Japan has ever faced.”
On the same day, Beijing warned Tokyo to “be careful with its policies.” A spokesman for China’s foreign ministry said, “Japan has ignored the facts, gone against what China and Japan agreed on and their commitment to bilateral relations, and hurt China’s reputation.” The name of this country is Vuong Van Bin.
But the White House said that Tokyo’s plan to change its defences would “consolidate and modernize” the military alliance between the US and Japan.